Description:
(German Historian & Philosopher Known for His Two-Volume Work 'The Decline of the West')
Oswald Spengler was a renowned German historian and philosopher. He was keen on studying science, mathematics, and art, and their relation to the cyclical theory of history. His book, ‘The Decline of the West’ (Der Untergang des Abendlandes), covered the entire world history and was a major contribution to social theory. According to Spengler, any culture is a superorganism that has a limited and predictable lifespan. He also asserted that the spirit of a culture could not be transferred to another culture. Based on his thoughts and studies, Spengler predicted that by the year 2000, “Western Civilization would enter the period of pre-death emergency.” He also stated that countering this crisis would lead to Caesarism before Western Civilization’s eventual collapse. Spengler is believed to have been a nationalist and anti-democracy. He was a prominent member of the Conservative Revolution, but he chose to denounce Nazism, mainly due to its excessive racist views. Despite his criticism, he often saw people like Italian leader Benito Mussolini and entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes as growing examples of the upcoming “Caesars of the Western culture.” After the rise of Hitler, Spengler chose to live in isolation until his death.
Birthday
May 29, 1880 (Gemini)
Born In
Germany
Alternative names
Oswald Arnold Gottfried Spengler
Died on
May 8, 1936
Parents
Bernhard Spengler
Pauline Spengler
Relatives
Adele (1881–1917), Gertrud (1882–1957), Hildegard (1885–1942)
What are Oswald Spengler's major works?
Oswald Spengler's major works include "The Decline of the West" (Der Untergang des Abendlandes) and "Man and Technics" (Der Mensch und die Technik).
What is Oswald Spengler's theory of history?
Oswald Spengler's theory of history revolves around the idea of cyclical patterns, where civilizations go through predictable stages of growth and decline.
How did Oswald Spengler's ideas influence political thought?
Oswald Spengler's ideas influenced political thought by emphasizing the importance of cultural values and the organic development of societies, which had an impact on nationalist and conservative movements.
What was Oswald Spengler's criticism of modernity?
Oswald Spengler criticized modernity for its materialism, lack of spiritual values, and emphasis on technology over humanistic concerns.
How did Oswald Spengler view the role of art in society?
Oswald Spengler viewed art as a reflection of a civilization's soul and believed that it played a crucial role in expressing the deeper truths and values of a culture.